BBC, ITV to launch SVoD service?

The BBC has held talks with rivals including ITV about launching a Netflix-style video SVoD streaming service.

The talks, which are also said to have involved NBC Universal, focus on the potential to develop a subscription TV service. The service would major on providing archive TV content from the broadcasters rather than the first-run of shows, although there would be a certain amount of original commissions.

The Guardian reports multiple sources as confirming the talks, which have been described as at a very early “explore and evaluate” stage. The plan would align with director general Tony Hall’s “open BBC” pledge as part of a reshaping of the corporation for the digital age in the next charter renewal period.